Automated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an automated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications, such as bug or bee or hornet spraying in high areas, e.g., trees, overhangs, porch roofs, dormers, eaves, etc. Thus, the automated pest control dust applicator device includes: an elongated support pole having a predetermined length and having a distal end and a proximal end; a dust dispensing nozzle located proximate the distal end of the pole, and connected to a dust reservoir; a conduit and a compressor, with appropriate controls. The dust reservoir is located at the distal end of the elongated support pole. The dust reservoir has an air inlet connected to the conduit, and has an outlet connected to the dust dispensing nozzle for dispersion of the dust. The conduit extends from the dust reservoir a substantial distance in length along the elongated support pole and is connected at its lower end to an air compressor. The automated pest control dust applicator device compressor is a portable compressor, and typically includes a rechargeable power source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pest control dusting, and moreparticularly to a device for dusting in remote areas using compressedair. Thus, the present invention device is a remote duster thatadvantageously permits a user to deliver pest control powder (referredto as “dust” in the pest control industry) at an elevated location via anozzle at a remote end of an extension pole with a portable compressorto cyclone and blow the dust at the desired location to exterminatepests such as bees, hornets or other pests. The compressor may beattached to the pole via an air line, and may be hand held orshoulder-mounted, and may be battery operated. In the present inventiondevice, while the compressor is conveniently located at or near thelower end of the pole, the dust is stored in a container or preferablyclear, graduated storage reservoir located at the far (distal) end ofthe pole. This eliminates air line clogging and permits controlled andmeasured application of the treatment, significant advantages over theprior art devices.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

The following prior art id representative of the state of the art in thefield of pest control dusting devices:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,787 describes an insecticide spray apparatus forspraying insecticide in confined areas. The apparatus has a spray gunand a compressor assembly for providing compressed air through a flowline to the spray gun. A nozzle atomizes the insecticide for foggingoperations and a trigger on the apray gun provides on and off control ofthe spray action. The compressor assembly has a base with a handle suchthat the compressor assembly can be carried in one hand by the user. Aplurality of bottle holders are provided on the base for carrying sparepesticide containers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,907 describes a sanitary pest control system thatincludes a housing with an air conditioning dsiposed within a hollowinterior of the housing. The air conditioning system has a power cordextending outwardly form the housing for coupling with an electricoutlet. A power switch is disposed within a top wall of the housing. Thepower switch is electrically coupled with the air conditioning systemfor selective activation or deactivation thereof. A temperature controlpanel is disposed within a forward wall of the housing and operativelycoupled with the power switch and the air conditioning system to adjustair temperature. An air release nozzle couples with respect to thehousing and is in communication with the air conditioning system.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,792 describes a dry pesticide applicator thatincludes a fluidizing medium secured within a housing. A blowermechanism generates a flow of air through the fluidizing medium toestablish a fluidized bed within the housing. This fluidized bed isdrawn into a dusting by means of a venturi to create a powdered stream.Whenever the dispensing mechanism is inoperative, the fluid flow whichcreates the powdered stream (by drawing the fluidized bed through apowder inlet) is directed into the housing through the powder inlet topurge any accumulation of powdered material therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,698 describes a pneumatic pesticide duster for usein the application of pesticide dusts in structures. The apparatuscomprises a dust reservoir, compressed air source, manually operatedcontrol valve and metallic discharge tube having an opening ranging insize up to about ¾ inch capable of imparting an electrostatic charge tothe expelled air/dust mixture such that dust is attracted to the wallsof the structure and the areas to which the pesticide is confined can beclosely controlled.

United States Pat. No. Re 30,993 describes a compression-type spraydevice employing a single nozzle that can be used to spray materialsvarying widely in density, composition and particle size. The deviceincorporates an air-and-material mix control using variably exposedslots in the nozzle to regulate the flow of high pressure air throughthe nozzle. A material supply control having variable restrictions maybe provided in the material supply tube inlet to regulate the flow ofmaterial to the nozzle.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taughtnor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automated pest control dustapplicator device for remote applications, such as bug or bee or hornetspraying in high areas, e.g., trees, overhangs, porch roofs, dormers,eaves, etc. Historically, ladders are used to reach high places with hadheld sprayers. Alternatively, high pressure sprayers are used from theground, and these may be aerosol type sprayers, but are sometimescompressor-based sprayers. However, the compressor-based sprayers arebulky and usually require outlets, or are run by generators fromvehicles. Most significantly, all of these compressor-based systems havehad dust reservoirs at or near the compressor and/or user for easyfilling, but these arrangements result in clogged lines and frequentcleaning requirements.

By its unique components and arrangements of components, the presentinvention provides a superior device that requires less maintenance andgreater efficiencies than heretofore achieved. Thus, the presentinvention automated pest control dust applicator device includes: anelongated support pole having a predetermined length and having a distalend and a proximal end; a dust dispensing nozzle located proximate thedistal end of the pole, and connected to a dust reservoir; a conduit anda compressor, with appropriate controls.

The dust reservoir is located at the distal end of the elongated supportpole. By this is meant that it is mounted of otherwise connected to theend or near the end of the pole that would be the more distant from theuser, i.e., at or near the top of the pole. The dust reservoir has anair inlet connected to the conduit, and has an outlet connected to thedust dispensing nozzle for dispersion of the dust.

The conduit may be tightly affixed to the pole, loosely affixed to it ormerely hung from the reservoir. The conduit has an upper end and a lowerend, and it is connected to the dust reservoir at the conduit upper end.The conduit extends from the dust reservoir a substantial distance inlength along the elongated support pole and is connected at its lowerend to an air compressor.

The air compressor is connected to the conduit at its lower end, suchthat, when the reservoir is loaded (e.g., half filled) with pest controldust, and the air compressor is activated, air travels up the conduit,into the reservoir, picks up pest control dust, and air with the pestcontrol dust exits the dust dispensing nozzle for targeted, accuratedispensing of the dust. The automated pest control dust applicatordevice compressor is a portable compressor, and typically includes arechargeable power source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the automatedpest control dust applicator device for remote applications has a nozzlethat is connected to a ported cap, and the ported cap is removeablyconnected to the dust reservoir to permit easy access and easy filling.The conduit may be a flexible hose of tube and may be connected to theair compressor via a quick release connector. Likewise, the conduitupper end may be connected to the dust reservoir via a quick releaseconnector, and this is preferably located at a lower portion of the dustreservoir.

The automated pest control dust applicator device for remoteapplications may employ any workable reservoir, as long as it isupstream from the compressor and the conduit connecting the compressorto the reservoir. It is a critical feature of the present invention thatthe reservoir be located at or near the far or top end of the pole. Thedust reservoir is preferably a transparent dust reservoir, and may begraduated, i.e. have markings on it to indicate powder level. It couldbe made of clear plastic, such as polyvinyl (polyvinyl chloride). Thedust reservoir may be a threaded container at its top to permit easyaccess and refilling, as mentioned, and could be fabricated out ofthreaded piping, such as clear plastic tubing, with threads at the topand bottom, and with appropriate closures at each end, e.g., a threadedpolyvinyl dust reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when thespecification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appendedhereto wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the present invention pest controldust applicator device;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of one preferred embodiment of a presentinvention pest control dust applicator device;

FIG. 3 shows details of one preferred embodiment of a reservoir utilizedin a present invention device; and

FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present inventiondevice with an telescoping extension support pole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the present invention pest controldust applicator device in accordance with the foregoing and followingteachings. As shown, pole 1 has a reservoir 3 located at pole top 5.Reservoir 3 has an outlet to nozzle 11. Compressor 15, with compressorair controller 13, is connected via conduit 7 to reservoir 3. Asdescribed above, a user will add pest control dust, for example, drionedust or other available and well known powder, to reservoir 3.Subsequently, when the user is at a difficult (remote or high) area tomake a dust application to eliminate pests, the user will turn oncompressor 15 at an on/off switch (not shown), place the nozzle 11 in adesired area to be treated, and activate the compressor air controller13 to give a short spray of dust. The pole may be of any predeterminedlength, and may be of light weight material. For example, the pole couldbe made of light plastic or aluminum, and be five to twelve feet inlength. Alternatively, the pole 1 could be an extension pole, like aswimming pool vacuum or skimming net pole, that could extend from ten tosixteen feet.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of one preferred embodiment of a presentinvention pest control dust applicator device 50. Device 50 has a asupport pole 51 with a bottom or proximal end 53, and a top or distalend 55. Proximal end has an optional handle 57, as shown. At the distalend 55 of pole 51 is a reservoir 61 that is permanently or removeablyattached to end 55. The reservoir is preferrably made of clear plastic,although it could be made of glass or metal or other material withoutexceeding the scope of the present invention. Pest control dustreservoir 61 has a screw cap 63 with an outlet connected to nozzle 65.It also has an air inlet 59 with quick release connection 67 connectedto coiled conduit 71. Conduit 71 may or may not be coiled and may or maynot be directly attached to the pole 51, although if it is connected topole 51, it would be more controllable than a free-floating conduithanging from the reservoir. Reservoir 61 is not only preferred to beclear, but graduations are also advantageous to regulate the amount ofdust deposited.

The conduit 71 is connected at its lower end with quick releaseconnection 69 to battery operated, portable compressor 73. Compressor 73has on/off switch 75 and air release button 77, as well as shoulderstrap 79.

FIG. 3 shows details of one preferred embodiment of a reservoir 100utilized in a present invention device. Reservoir 100 includes a clearpolyvinyl chloride tube 101 that is threaded at its top 105 and bottom107, and has graduated indicia 103. Bottom cap 111 is a closed cap andincludes fitting 113 for attachment to a pole top. Conduit 127 isconnected to brass fitting 123 via quick release connector 125, forinputting forced air into the reservoir. Top fitting 109 is an openfitting with an outlet. It is permanently (e.g. with glue) or removablyscrewed onto tube 101 and has a threaded male top component 115 forreceiving threaded cap 117, with outlet 119 to nozzle 121, as shown.

FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a present inventiondevice 200 with an telescoping extension support pole. Here, the polehas a lower section 201 and an upper section 203 that are interconnectedso that upper section 203 is slideably connected to telescope in and outof lower section 201, at pole distal end 205 is a pest control dustreservoir 211 with exit nozzle 213, as shown. Reservoir 211 has fillmeans (not shown) and an air inlet 215 that is connected to conduit 219via quick release connector 217. Conduit 219 is connected at its lowerend to battery operated, portable compressor 221. Compressor 221 has acompressor on/off switch 223, and an air release button 225, forinstant, controlled firing of the device. The extension feature of thepole allows for height adjustment, and the device is otherwise used asdevice 50 described above.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1. An automated pest control dust applicator device for remoteapplications, which comprises: (a) an elongated support pole having apredetermined length and having a distal end and a proximal end; (b) adust dispensing nozzle located proximate said distal end of said pole,and connected to a dust reservoir; (c) said dust reservoir located atsaid distal end of said pole and having an outlet connected to said dustdispensing nozzle; (d) a conduit having an upper end and a lower end,said conduit being connected to said dust reservoir at said conduitupper end, said conduit extending from said dust reservoir a substantialdistance along said elongated support pole and being connected at saidlower end to an air compressor; and (e) said air compressor beinglocated separately from and not connected to said elongated supportpole; wherein, when said air compressor is activated, air travels upsaid conduit, into said reservoir, picks up pest control dust and airwith the dust exits said dust dispensing nozzle.
 2. The automated pestcontrol dust applicator device for remote applications of claim 1wherein said compressor is a portable compressor.
 3. The automated pestcontrol dust applicator device for remote applications of claim 2wherein said portable compressor includes a rechargeable power source.4. The automated pest control dust applicator device for remoteapplications of claim 1 wherein said nozzle is connected to a ported caphaving said outlet, and said ported cap is removeably connected to saiddust reservoir.
 5. The automated pest control dust applicator device forremote applications of claim 1 wherein said conduit is connected to saidair compressor via a quick release connector.
 6. The automated pestcontrol dust applicator device for remote applications of claim 1wherein said dust reservoir is a transparent dust reservoir.
 7. Theautomated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications ofclaim 6 wherein said transparent dust reservoir is a graduatedtransparent dust reservoir.
 8. The automated pest control dustapplicator device for remote applications of claim 1 wherein saidconduit upper end is connected to said dust reservoir at a lower portionof said dust reservoir.
 9. The automated pest control dust applicatordevice for remote applications of claim 1 wherein said conduit upper endincludes a quick release connector at said reservoir.
 10. The automatedpest control dust applicator device for remote applications of claim 1wherein said dust reservoir is a threaded polyvinyl dust reservoir. 11.An automated pest control dust applicator device for remoteapplications, which comprises: (a) an elongated support pole having apredetermined length and having a distal end and a proximal end; (b) adust dispensing nozzle located proximate said distal end of said pole,and connected to a dust reservoir; (c) said dust reservoir located atsaid distal end of said pole and having an outlet connected to said dustdispensing nozzle; (d) a conduit having an upper end and a lower end,said conduit being connected to said dust reservoir at said conduitupper end, said conduit extending from said dust reservoir a substantialdistance along said elongated support pole and being connected at saidlower end to an air compressor; and (e) said air compressor beinglocated separately from and not connected to said elongated supportpole, said air compressor having a shoulder strap connected thereto;wherein, when said air compressor is activated, air travels up saidconduit, into said reservoir, picks up pest control dust and air withthe dust exits said dust dispensing nozzle.
 12. The automated pestcontrol dust applicator device for remote applications of claim 11wherein said compressor is a portable compressor.
 13. The automated pestcontrol dust applicator device for remote applications of claim 12wherein said portable compressor includes a rechargeable power source.14. The automated pest control dust applicator device for remoteapplications of claim 11 wherein said nozzle is connected to a portedcap having said outlet, and said ported cap is removeably connected tosaid dust reservoir.
 15. The automated pest control dust applicatordevice for remote applications of claim 11 wherein said conduit isconnected to said air compressor via a quick release connector.
 16. Theautomated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications ofclaim 11 wherein said dust reservoir is a transparent dust reservoir.17. The automated pest control dust applicator device for remoteapplications of claim 16 wherein said transparent dust reservoir is agraduated transparent dust reservoir.
 18. The automated pest controldust applicator device for remote applications of claim 11 wherein saidconduit upper end is connected to said dust reservoir at a lower portionof said dust reservoir.
 19. The automated pest control dust applicatordevice for remote applications of claim 11 wherein said conduit upperend includes a quick release connector at said reservoir.
 20. Theautomated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications ofclaim 11 wherein said dust reservoir is a threaded polyvinyl dustreservoir.